When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to somatropin, benzyl alcohol, or metacresol, or if you have cancer or diabetic retinopathy.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

There are many different types of injection devices available for this medicine. Each time you get your medicine, check to be sure you have received the proper device. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about the device that you were given.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Use each vial or syringe only one time. Do not save an open vial or syringe. If the medicine in the vial or syringe has changed color, or if you see particles in it, do not use it.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

The storage instructions differ from brand to brand. Ask your pharmacist how to store your brand of medicine. Make sure you know how long you can store this medicine after mixing.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how somatropin works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, pituitary problems, kidney disease, a history of cancer, scoliosis (curved spine), or Turner syndrome. Tell your doctor if your child has Prader-Willi syndrome, especially if he has sleep apnea or breathing problems.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Hip bone dislocation

Changes in blood sugar levels

Increased pressure in the head

Pancreatitis

Increased risk for cancer

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Pain, redness, burning, swelling, a hard lump, or skin changes where your shot is given

Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness (in both females and males)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 7/4/2015

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